About Amaroo Water Gardens & Lodge
the Gardens
The 20 acre property was purchased in 1981 for $38,000.
It was for the most part, except for a few remnant 300 year old red gums, cleared grazing country, as was the rest of the valley at that time.
What attracted us to it were the many scenic views it had on different levels. The wetland, creek, and site provision for a lake.
We named it Amaroo, a N.S.W. aboriginal name meaning a nice place.
It had power and a garage converted for temporary living by the previous owners, which we used for a further 16 years prior to building the rammed earth house in 1997. Our first task was to get rid of the blackberries out of the creek line. We could hear water, but could not see it. A central channel had been cut through the wetland to drain it for increased drainage for grazing. We set about returning it to a more natural state, including a number of pools and waterfalls.
The lake was put in with two islands, to protect birds from cats and foxes. The jetty and bridge were then included. A small quarry, the stone of which was used to build the house across the road, was then cleared of much farm rubbish, and made into a fern grotto.
The garden, although we had a basic plan, has evolved over the years. We have used deciduous trees for their Autumn colour and fire protection around the house and buildings. The remaining areas being planted up with natives, for less watering, hardiness, and to encourage bird life back. Since being here, we spot on average, a new species of bird we haven’t seen before each year. We have used many agapanthus around the buildings. Again, they are tough, hardy, and form an excellent fire break.
It was the interest in water gardening and difficulty in obtaining plants locally that led us to open up a specialist nursery in 1989, which is still open today.
Thus the “Amaroo Water Gardens” was born. We have increasing numbers of visitors to the gardens and museum of old tool and implements of the land.back to bookmarks
the Lodge
back to bookmarksAmaroo Lodge is named in memory of John Lodge, whose love and vision created Amaroo. R.I.P. 1999 (aged 45 years).
The dream was to have a house overlooking a lake. It had to be different than the norm. It needed to be rustic, earthy, with a natural feel and a character which harmonised with the garden.
The many interesting architectural windows, doors, large beams and posts were collected over a period of eighteen years from demolition sites, salvage yards, antique shops, Trash and Treasure markets, even rubbish tips.
Jeremy Keyte of “Adze Character” (phone 8556 2029) was hired to make the dream a reality. Jerry was the obvious choice to assist, as he was in total empathy with what we wanted. All his works project a heart, body and soul about them.
The house was designed around what we had collected. Room sizes were dictated by the lengths of the beams we had.
Rammed earth was the material of choice for the walls. We sub-contracted Ian Collett of “Stablized Earth Adelaide” (phone 8556 2400) to do the work. The earth was trucked in, mixed with 5% of white cement, and rammed into form work. It took just three guys, a week and a half to construct.back to bookmarks
the historical pieces used in the Lodge's construction
back to bookmarksLarge Gothic window in the lounge area – This came from Townsend House, Brighton (an institution for the deaf and blind, which was founded in 1876). An entrance panel of the same design, was used as a bed head.
Six Bevel glass, leadlight doors in the lounge area – They originally came from The Hindmarsh Town Hall Theatre called the “STAR THEATRE” which was opened in 1936. They are of an Art Deco style. We purchased 2 from an antique shop at Strathalbyn in 1984. About 8 years later, a friend informed us he had seen similar doors in another antique shop in Adelaide. So these doors have been reunited under the one roof, after many years apart.
Two main interior posts came from the original Port Adelaide wharf (they are over 100 years old).
Large Kaurie pine ceiling beams in the kitchen/dining area came from The Wool Sheds at Gillman.
Red Cedar Gothic style cabinet doors used in the lounge area came from a Church pulpit. We found them on a rubbish tip with obvious white ant damage on most of the six panels. We were able to get together enough good wood to make up four cabinet doors.back to bookmarks